Government and opposition trade blows over Unity clashes

BENTIU (29 Jun.)

Government and opposition forces traded accusations over clashes in Unity State on Sunday, raising tension in South Sudan.

SPLA-IO spokesperson in Unity State James Yoach told Radio Tamazuj that after SPLA soldiers defected to the Rupkuai area in Mayendit County, government troops pursued the defectors and sparked a shirmish.

Yoach accused the government forces of violating ceasefire agreement, saying it is the second attack on the area.

For his part, SPLA spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang instead accused forces loyal to opposition leader Riek Machar of attacking their positions at Rupkuai area on Sunday.

Lul further said the opposition forces are trying to control the area in order to cut off military supplies and establish a base so a cantonment site can be established in Leer. The army